One day, I decided to get on a certain dating app *cringe, because we all know they are the worst*. My friend and I had just returned to Mobile after celebrating our friends bachelorette. We began to discuss how dating apps are the worst and looked over each others profiles over dinner. She said, "You should just match with guys and see what happens, like this guy!" *matches me with this guy named Zach*

Zach and I began to chat, and let's just say... it felt like we had known each other for a while. We both loved sports (especially the Crimson Tide), the Lord, living in the south, etc. Then after two weeks of continuous messages, Zach asked "Would you wanna grab a drink?" I had other plans sadly, but the next day, I spontaneously asked if he would wanna grab that drink. We then planned to go to the Billiards Hall together per his lead.

I was a little scared, because that Billiards Hall was not in the greatest area, but I also wanted to go on this date. I proceeded to call and text several friends of mine saying, "DO YALL KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PLACE! WHAT AM I GETTING MYSELF INTO!" They all proceeded to tell me Id be fine haha.

As soon as I pulled up, this guy gets out of his sports car, this car I'd seen several times now on his profile. He was wearing a hat, a Carhartt t-shirt, jeans, and boots. He was giving me the biggest smile, and he smelled really good too. I immediately felt like I'd known Zach for years, and asked to give him a hug before we walked into the pool hall... right next to LeFlore's Prom haha. But I felt safe with him. I could tell he was a gentleman. The pool hall ended up being a lot nicer than what I expected as well. We proceeded to have a couple of Millers and chat. He kept giving me that smile.

And from this moment, we have become each other's partner-in-crime. I don't think there has been a time that we haven't enjoyed being in each other's presence. There is never a dull moment. I am so excited to spend the rest of my life with my best friend. I love you Zachary Hubbard.

I got on a dating app with pretty low expectations. But I was looking for a woman who cared about her faith and morals just as much as I did, which can be a tall task nowadays.

*Enter Mary Kathryn's profile* One of the first things I noticed was that she had a beautiful name (even though later she told me it was basic). She had a nice picture of her smiling, holding sunflowers. It said she was Catholic which was a plus. I also noticed she was drinking a beer in one of her pictures at a sporting event, which I thought was a pleasant surprise. So I liked her profile.

A few days later, I got a notification that Mary Kathryn had liked my profile (if you read her story first, you see the comedy in that now. Thanks Alanna). I started a conversation which began as small talk, but then it turned into more meaningful conversation which was refreshing for online dating. I really appreciated how Mary Kathryn cared to ask questions about me as well. We messaged periodically for two weeks. Then I asked if she wanted to get a drink sometime, and she agreed. We continued to message throughout the week, and I asked if she wanted to grab a drink that weekend. She had some scheduling conflicts but said that she wanted to meet the next weekend after she got back from a retreat with her youth group kids.

Fast forward to Saturday. I was invited to hang out with some of my friends. Later that afternoon, Mary Kathryn texted me unexpectedly. She said "I know this is late notice. Would you want to grab that drink?" I let her know that unfortunately I had plans, but I still wanted to go on a date sometime.

A few hours went by, and my plans with friends ended up falling through. So, I sent Mary Kathryn an unexpected, last minute text at 6PM saying I was free now. To my surprise she agreed to meet me within the next hour. I pitched to her playing pool and having a drink at the Billiards Club. I figured she would probably be hesitant meeting a stranger there, but I knew it was a laid back spot. My buddy and I had been going there sporadically for a few years.

I could tell she was a little on edge based on the place I chose, but we settled in quickly like I knew we would. Within the first 30 minutes, I could tell that I really liked Mary Kathryn. Over the next two hours, we played a few games of pool, drank a few beers, and got to know each other a little more. It was great night. I asked her if she would want to hang out again sometime, and to my excitement she said she would love that!

Over the next two months, we went on several dates. Every moment we spent together was so easy, we shared many laughs and everything felt so natural. I felt right at home with Mary Kathryn. I knew that I wanted to marry this girl. And here we are a year later, planning our wedding. I couldn't be more excited to spend the rest of my life with my best friend. I love you Mary Kathryn Ladnier.